Tommie McCarthy is a Professor in Biochemistry in the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology at University College Cork. Professor McCarthy has a keen interest in human molecular genetics and his research experience spans across the area of human molecular genetics and functional analysis of mutated human genes. Professor McCarthy and his team have made major contributions in the human molecular genetics field to understanding the molecular basis of the life threatening inherited disorder Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) and the associated myopathy Central Core Disease (CCD). Human molecular genetic projects completed in Professor McCarthy’s lab include molecular genetic analysis of gene mutations that cause inherited human lipodystrophies with a focus on lipid and cholesterol metabolism and adipocyte development. Collaborative projects include initiatives on the genetics of depression and anxiety with Professor Alan Wright (Edinburgh, RIP) and Professor Ted Dinan (Psychiatry, UCC). Professor McCarthy also has a keen interest in molecular genetic technologies. His fundamental and applied research on DNA repair enzymes led to the development of a novel platform for detection of mutations and polymorphisms in DNA. His work on gene reporters has led to the development of a single secreted luciferase reporter assay for promoter analysis. Professor McCarthy has a significant publication record in international peer reviewed journals and several reviews and book chapters. His research has led to five international patent applications (three granted to date) in the DNA characterisation field.

Current research is focused on the molecular aetiology and genetics of depression.